Acupuncture School Comparisons

If you decide you want to study to become an acupuncturist you need to learn many concrete elements about the training such as topics of study, how long the course will take, how much the courses will cost, if financial aid is available, etc. Another important element to seek information on as you research schools is what type of philosophy each school you are looking at espouses.

Be aware that there are two distinct philosophies when it comes to acupuncture and it is important for any prospective acupuncturist to know about each and to help a school based on its unique philosophy. Aim to choose a school whose philosophy is as close to your own as possible. The two different philosophies are the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)/ Eight Elements School and the Five Element School. Let us briefly take a look at both of these schools of thought.

The TCM/Five Element School takes a classic approach to the practice of acupuncture. In this type of school the philosophy emphasizes not just the practice of acupuncture but it also includes individual patient counseling. Currently the Five Element School is the less popular of the two philosophies. This type of school is found less often throughout the US that the Eight Element School.

So if you take a look at the TCM/Eight Elements School this school is different from the Five Element School in that it is based on a ancient Chinese practice that the diagnosis of a patient's condition is a standardized event. It is this theory on which the Eight Principles School are built.

This school puts particular emphasis on herbal therapy in conjunction with the practice of acupuncture. To a large extent the difference between the Eight Element School and the Five Element School is philosophical but it is different nonetheless. Many criticize the Eight Element School for being devoid of the spiritual element that is inherent in the Five Element School.

Both have their good and bad points and when taken together they both have important philosophies to teach students interested in learning about acupuncture.

Different universities across the country choose to teach one philosophy or a combination of both and it is generally up to the individual school. To use an example, Yo San University that is located in Marina Del Rey, CA specializes in Taoist Classical Medicine, which combines both the approaches of TCM/Eight Elements as well as the Five Elements School. As well they also include the Energetic Systems of Chinese medicine in their teachings and these are based on the I-Ching as well as the "Yellow Emperor's Classic."

The co-founder of this university, Maoshing Ni, believes that this method of study makes it possible for future acupuncturists and healers to have a complete and integrated view since there is a complete connection of all of the elements. This allows students to understand not only the spiritual approach but the healing energies that surround us, as well as the physical application of this ancient practice of Chinese medicine.

It is important that any student of this Chinese healing art understand both philosophies of acupuncture training since it is the basis of study that will impact your practice as a trained and fully qualified acupuncturist. Here's to a successful education and exciting career as an acupuncturist.